Published/Revised June 28, 2014 By Terri Fogarty This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Belgium is one of the smaller countries in continental Europe and the “middle child” of three countries comprising “Benelux” (the others being the Netherlands and Luxembourg). It is an often-overlooked country but many consider it a European gem. Its capital, Brussels, is nicknamed the capital of Europe as it is home to the European Union headquarters. In Brussels one can find a unique blend of ... Read Full Article

Published/Revised April 7, 2015 By Marilyn McFarlane This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Even with the value of the dollar approaching that of the euro, Americans traveling in Europe on a budget still need to be creative and mindful. The following suggestions can help any traveler, but especially those who prefer traveling independently.Airfare
Finding the lowest airfares to Europe can be incredibly time-consuming. I turn to a reputable travel agent who may charge a fee but ... Read Full Article

Published/Revised July 20, 2017 By Terri Fogarty This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Finding a great 3 star hotel in Paris is a joy. There really are some 3 star hotels in Paris that are better than 4 star hotels. Stars many-times are awarded for amenities like larger rooms or restaurants, not on the quality of the hotel experience itself. These are 3-star hotels that we recommend wholeheartedly and hope you love them as much as we ... Read Full Article

Published/Revised July 20, 2017 By Terri Fogarty This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

When in Paris, I usually opt for a 4-star hotel. Rooms tend to be a bit larger and bathrooms are better equipped. Here are our favorite 4 star hotels in Paris, listed by Arrondissement.4 Star Hotels in Paris: 1st Arrondissement
The 1st Arrondissement is in the very heart of the city. It is walking distance to most tourist sites and therefore is more expensive. Some fabulous hotels are ... Read Full Article

Published/Revised May 13, 2016 By Eric Barrier This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

If you want to learn more about Latvia, this post offers comprehensive Latvia tourist information designed to make it easy for you to plan your trip. Latvia is the middle of the three Baltic republics that gained independence after the fall of the Soviet Union. It is bordered by Estonia to the north, Russia and Belarus to the east, Lithuania to the south and the Baltic Sea to the west. A 2010 ... Read Full Article

Published/Revised June 12, 2014 By Sascha Matuszak This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Poland is an oft-neglected destination for travelers to Europe and this bodes well for those of you who do make the trip. Poland has had its ups and downs since leaving the cold grip of the Soviet Union in 1990, but the economy is stable and the tourism infrastructure is more than adequate for the casual traveler and yet rustic enough to provide for those magic moments far away from home. Poland ... Read Full Article

Published/Revised June 30, 2016 By Anne-Sophie Redisch This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Only 160 square kilometres (a little smaller than Washington DC), little Liechtenstein is the 4th smallest country in Europe. The head of state, Prince Hans-Adam II von und zu Liechtenstein, is a very successful banker who presides over the family business -- leading the government of the only remaining absolute monarchy in Europe. He has, though, left the day-to-day running of the country to ... Read Full Article

Published/Revised November 3, 2015 By Sascha Matuszak This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Norway is one of the most stable countries in the world and it boasts an environment mostly protected from the ravages of progress and modernization. Norway is famous for its thousands of fjords, deep forests and snow-capped mountains. The early Norwegians were the first Vikings (along with the Danes) and when they ceased raiding the coasts, they built some of Europe's most unique temples to God, ... Read Full Article

Published/Revised June 11, 2014 By Jen Westmoreland Bouchard This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Located in northern Europe, the country of Denmark is part of Scandinavia along with Norway and Sweden. It is the southern most of these four countries, bordered to the south by Germany. The other three sides of the country are bordered by water- the North Sea and the Baltic. Sitting on the edge of the Central European climatic zone, Denmark has a temperate maritime climate. Denmark is home to 5.4 ... Read Full Article

Published/Revised May 13, 2016 By Sascha Matuszak This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Finland is a highly developed nation with a tiny population and some of the most pristine landscape in Europe. Some of the best things to do here are hike through the national parks, jump into a spa or sauna or watch the northern lights dance in Lapland. The capital, Helsinki, is one of the safest and most convenient cities in the world and the small towns and cities outside of Helsinki are ... Read Full Article